WHEN Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, at the Gallipoli battlefront penned the opening lines of his poem 'In Flanders Fields' with; "In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row by row" he never knew the far reaching impact that red poppies would have, on every human beings desire, to hold onto that simple flower for the remembrance of fallen soldiers.

In 2015, Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since the Gallipoli landing and Australia's involvement in war.

Two Victorian women have mobilised the crafting community of Australia to make by hand; knitted, crocheted or sewn red poppies, for a stunning visual tribute to the Australian men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice during wartime.

The plan is for 25,000 handmade red poppies to adorn Federation Square in Melbourne for the Anzac Day commemoration in 2015.

Taree Craft Centre has risen to the occasion and is holding a 'Red Poppy Knit or Crochet Workshop' during the Manning Winter Festival.

The workshop will operate on Saturday June 28 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the group's Taree Craft Cottage, on the corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree.

Patterns, yarn and needles will be provided and cuppa and a chat is also high on the list for an enjoyable morning creating heartfelt poppies.

For further information contact Anne Bloomfield on 6553 2602 or view the group's website at www.tareecraftcentre.com.au